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Sole-Wrapped Asparagus with Tangerine Beurre Blanc

This elegant sole-wrapped asparagus with tangerine beurre blanc is a sophisticated choice for a light lunch or a dinner party main course. The delicate flavour of the grey sole pairs beautifully with tender seasonal asparagus, while the zesty tangerine sauce adds a bright, velvety finish without being overly heavy. It is an excellent way to enjoy fresh seafood with a citrus twist that feels truly indulgent.

As a diabetes-friendly dish, this recipe focuses on high-quality protein and fresh vegetables, offering a satisfying meal that is naturally lower in carbohydrates. The use of fresh tangerine juice provides a hit of natural sweetness, perfectly balanced by the sharp lemon and a hint of cayenne pepper. Serve these neat bundles on warmed plates for a heart-healthy and impressive homemade meal.

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Ingredients for Sole-Wrapped Asparagus with Tangerine Beurre Blanc

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 tablespoons chopped shallot

  • 4 (2- by 1-inch) strips fresh tangerine zest

  • 450g medium asparagus

  • 4 (5- to 170g ) skinless gray sole or flounder fillets

  • 120ml water

  • 120ml fresh tangerine juice

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot

  • 1 stick (110g ) cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces

  • 1/4 teaspoons salt

  • cayenne

  • 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

How to make Sole-Wrapped Asparagus with Tangerine Beurre Blanc

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 232°C.

Brush a 13- by 9-inch roasting pan with some of melted butter, then sprinkle shallot and zest in pan.

Trim asparagus to about 7 inches long, then peel spears starting from 2 inches below tip of each.

Arrange fish fillets, skinned sides up, on a work surface and season with salt and pepper. Lay 5 or 6 asparagus perpendicularly across 1 fillet and wrap fish around them to make a bundle. Repeat with remaining fillets and asparagus. Transfer bundles, seam sides down, to roasting pan and brush fish with remaining melted butter. Season with salt and pepper, then add water to pan. Cover pan tightly with foil and bake until fish is just cooked through and asparagus is crisp-tender, about 20 minutes.

Boil tangerine juice with shallot in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat until reduced to about 2 tablespoons , 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce heat to moderately low, then whisk in 1 tablespoon butter, whisking constantly. Add remaining butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly, adding each piece before previous one has completely melted, and lifting pan from heat occasionally to cool mixture. Remove from heat and stir in salt, cayenne, and lemon juice.

Transfer fish with a slotted spatula to a platter and reserve pan juices. Cover fish with foil. Discard zest, then pour pan juices into a 10-inch skillet and boil over moderately high heat until reduced to about 2 tablespoons , about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk into beurre blanc.

Blot any liquid accumulated on platter with paper towels, then spoon sauce over fish.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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